Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of this work was to study the plant regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Achyranthes bidentata using cotton EREBP gene. Results showed that the callus induction rate of stems from A. bidentata was the highest (100%) and bud was in approximately 70% of calli from stems. However bud differentiation rate of the callus from leaves and petioles was very low. Compared with ceftriaxone, 200mg/L cefotaxime could completely control Agrobacterium tumefaciens and had relatively less toxic action on the stems of A. bidentata. In addition, the induction rate of callus resistant to hygromycin was the highest when infected for 3 min and co-cultivated for 3 d. Six positive transgenic plants transformed with pCAMBIA1304-GhEREB2 expression vector were obtained and confirmed by PCR. The expression of target gene GhEREB2 was detected in five transgenic plants by RT-PCR. In brief, an efficient system of genetic transformation and plant regeneration was established for A. bidentata.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this work, fifty yeast strains, isolated from the spontaneous alcoholic fermentation of Agave duranguensis to produce mezcal, were tested using the double coupling system. These yeasts were from the genera Pichia, Torulaspora, Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Deckera, Hanseniaspora, and Candida. P. fermentans ITD00165 was the best isoamyl acetate producer, yielding 0.38 g/L of ester after incubation for 24 h, while K. marxianus ITD00211 produced 0.32 g/L of ester. Thus P. fermentans TD00165 could be considered as an excellent choice for use in optimization studies of the culture medium and bioreactor operating conditions to develop a process for biotechnological production of isoamyl acetate.

Resumo em Inglês:

The use of bee attractants, Bee-Q and Fruit BoostTM in the pollination of niger was evaluated. Bee visitations to niger flowers were observed for two weeks and an estimation of seed yield was determined. Different concentrations of Bee-Q and Fruit boostTM were evaluated to understand honeybee visitation patterns on the target crop and pollination efficiency. Results indicate that applications of Bee-Q at 12.5 g/l and Fruit boost at 0.75 ml/l on niger plots significantly increased the number of bee foragers over control plots. In addition, plots sprayed with these bee attractants significantly enhanced the seed set, seed weight, and germination of niger. This study suggests that pheromone-based bee attractants applied to niger can increase the marginal percentage of bee visitation, seed yield, and percent germination.

Resumo em Inglês:

This study aimed to evaluate the haematological and biochemical changes in Clarias gariepinus as biomarkers of environmental pollution in Tiga dam, Nigeria (wild aquatic environment). Water and fishes were sampled twice, a week apart, from the controlled and the wild aquatic environment. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences between the temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen contents of both aquatic environments. Similarly, there were no significant (p>0.05) changes in the haematological parameters of the reared and wild the C. gariepinus except in their white blood cell counts, which were significantly (p<0.05) higher in wild C. gariepinus. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (serum enzymes) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the wild C. gariepinus. However, the concentrations of serum total triglyceride (serum metabolite) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the wild C. gariepinus. The haematological and biochemical alterations in the wild C. gariepinus, which were strongly indicative of cellular damages, might have been a consequence of the toxic pollution of Tiga dam, Nigeria.

Resumo em Inglês:

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and repair effects of the ethanolic extract and ointment of Equisetum pyramidale on the skin lesions of rats induced to diabetes. After the induction of diabetes with alloxan, a surgical procedure was performed on the back of each rat. Then, they were separated into treatment groups: G1 ethanol extract of E. pyramidale; G2-ointment (extract of E. pyramidale 80g + 20g of vaseline:lanolin 1:1); G3 control (vehicle vaseline:lanolin 1:1); and G4-no treatment during 3, 7 and 14 days. The samples were embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histological analysis. The findings showed that the use of ethanolic extract as well as the ointment decreased the inflammatory cells at the site of inflammation, resulting a faster healing, with less crusting and lower amount of secretion in comparison to the control group. Therapy with topical herbal was an effective method in the inflammatory process of tissue repair, contributing to a faster and more organized tissue re-epithelialization.

Resumo em Inglês:

This study assessed the bioactive properties of an aqueous extract of M. officinalis for its anti-inflammatory activity and its protection against hepatic and renal lesions induced by acetaminophen (APAP). Animals pre-treated with the crude extract in pleurisy induced by carrageenan showed a reduction in the amounts of exudate, in the numbers of leukocytes and polymorphonuclear cells. Intragastric administration of the extract for seven days prior to the APAP-induced lesion showed no protective effect on the liver. The treatment with the extract induced an increase of serum aspartate aminotransferase, indicating a rise of toxicity. Contrarily, the same treatment reduced the APAP induced lesion in kidney, with respect to ν-glutamyltransferase. The results suggested that the extract was not hepatoprotective and could lead to an increase in the lesions induced by the APAP. On the other hand, the extract was nephroprotective against the lesions induced by the APAP and showed an anti-inflammatory effect on pleurisy carrageenan-induced.

Resumo em Inglês:

This study was undertaken to determine the modulating effects of intramuscular administration of melatonin (MT)(1mg/ kg) and/or Tri-B (B 1 , B 6 and B 12 ) (20mg/kg) on body weight and some biochemical changes in rats induced by Epinephrine (Epi) injection. The data showed that MT and/or Tri-B treatment effectively improved the changes in malondialdehyde, lipid profile, blood sugar level and insulin. MT and/or Tri-B administration following Epi improved partially the decrease in body weight and liver glycogen levels. Tri B injection following Epi partialy improved all the tested parameters except malondialdehyde and blood sugar level that completely improved in stressed rats. It was evident that a combination of MT and vitamin B complex had protective actions and further it was better than either of them introduced alone in stressed rats. The possible interaction between MT and Tri B provided further support to MT synergistic actions with the aim of advocating MT and Tri B as a possible synergistic therapy.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of this work was to investigate the genetic effects of resveratrol (RSV) at concentrations of 10, 15, 25, 40, 75 and 100 µM and its activities on the genotoxicity induced by the permethrin (PM) (200 µM). After the application of PM and RSV, separately and together, cultured human lymphocytes were assessed by chromosome aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) tests. According to results, the frequencies of CA and SCE rates in the peripheral lymphocytes were significantly increased by PM compared with the controls. However, RSV had no genotoxic effect. Furthermore, the findings revealed that PM-induced increases in the mean frequencies of both genotoxic indices were diminished by RSV in a clear dose dependent manner, indicating its protective role towards the cells from PM exerted injury. In conclusion, these effects of RSV should be considered while evaluating the possible use of RSV as a therapeutic agent.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of temperature on the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana against Diatraea saccharalis and evaluate the horizontal transmission capacity among the sugarcane borer larvae. The strains were most pathogenic at 26ºC, followed by 32ºC than at 20ºC, with respective mortalities of 100, 50 and 30.3%. The lethal time was also affected by the temperature, with the shortest LT 50 observed at 26ºC (2.2 days) and the longest at 20ºC (16.2 days). The URM2915 strain appeared most effective in all the experiments as having potential for deployment in biological control programs for the sugarcane borer. Results in horizontal transmission of B. bassiana showed that this procedure could also be adopted as control strategy for the sugarcane borer.

Resumo em Inglês:

An efficient system was developed for indirect plant regeneration from in vitro-derived leaf and internode explants of Hoya wightii ssp. palniensis. Maximum percentage of the organogenic callus was obtained on MS medium supplemented with NAA (1.0 mg/l) and 2,4-D (2.0 mg/l). The best shoot bud induction was observed on MS medium with BA (1.0 mg/l) +IBA (0.5 mg/l). The coconut water (15%) was better, resulting in a differentiation of the shoot initials in to well-developed shoots. The elongated shoots (› 3cm long) were rooted on a full strength MS basal medium, supplemented with 0.2 mg/l of IBA. Finally, the rooted plants were transferred to the soil with 80% success rate. This protocol was utilized for the in vitro propagation of this endangered plant species.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work aimed to study the antioxidant activity of a quercetin-containing flavonoid extract (FQЕ) obtained from Sophora japonica L. flower buds rich in quercetin (91.6%). Radical scavenging activity was analyzed towards the synthetic radicals DPPH• and ABTS•+ and antioxidant activity was evaluated applying the method of oxygen consumption in a model system containing methyl linoleate. Model food systems of lard and sunflower oil were explored by the application of Rancimat method and chicken as a real food system was investigated by the thiobarbituric acid test. Results showed a high radical scavenging activity and antioxidant capacity of QFE similar to those of the pure flavonoid quercetin.

Resumo em Inglês:

Pomace, the main by-product of apple juice processing, contains all the fruit's compounds such as minerals, sugars, fibers, enzymes and secondary metabolites after bioprocessing. Dried pomace from four apple varieties (Gala, Fuji, Catarina and Joaquina) was used to extract fructose, glucose, and sucrose, the main soluble sugars contained in apple pomace, to verify the possible use of the sugar fractions. The concentrated sugars were characterized by NMR and FTIR. The partial least squares method (PLS) applied to the NMR and FTIR spectra revealed large amounts of fructose, glucose, and sucrose, without the presence of others compounds. Principal component analysis (PCA) discriminated the studied apple varieties, with a 99% level of significance, as function of the amount of each sugar in the respective extracts.

Resumo em Inglês:

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a protein source in the nutritional recovery of rats subjected to protein malnutrition. In order to understand such effects, responses of the developing body, serum biochemical profile, and blood count of animals were analyzed. A total of, 23 Wistar Rattus norvegicus were given a proteic diet (AIN-93G adapted) in malnutrition phase (phase I) for 10 days. After this period, the rats were separated into four groups according to the protein source (recovery phase): Control (C), casein 12%; Spirulina level I (S1), Spirulina 8.8% + casein 5.0%; Spirulina level II (S2), Spirulina 17.6% + casein 0.15%, and Spirulina level III (S3), Spirulina 26.4%. Recovery phase (phase II) lasted 30 days. In both the phases, the consumption and body weight of the rats were monitored daily and weekly, respectively. The S1 treatment showed the highest values of Feed Efficiency Ratio (FER) and Quotient of Protein Efficiency Ratio (QPE) (p<0.05). Significant differences among the treatments were found mainly in the levels of serum lipids, and S2 diet caused an increase in such responses (p<0.05). These results demonstrated that the nutritional recovery of animals was enabled by different concentrations of Spirulina.

Resumo em Inglês:

Species from the genus Enterococcus have been used as probiotic for humans or animals, although this genus is not considered "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). While enterococci are considered "positive" in food technology, isolates of this genus have emerged as opportunistic pathogens for the humans. The aim of this review is to summarize the characteristics that can determine the use of this genus as probiotics. According to the guidelines used to define the genus Enterococcus strains as probiotic a case-by-case evaluation of each potential technological strain is presented and research perspectives for using enterococci as probiotic is also discussed.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of this work was to develop linear models using the image analysis coupled with density measurements to monitor the dilution of the Physalis juice in the concentrations ranging from 0 to 100% in mass of juice pulp. A sample corresponding to 20% in the mass of juice pulp was for validating purposes and a prediction of 19.9±0.3%. The models with three parameters showed the best predictions, providing this technique with a promising future for the monitoring the dilution of fruit juices.

Resumo em Inglês:

Thermoplastics, poly vinyl chloride and low-density polyethylene were treated in the presence of indigenously developed bacterial consortium in laboratory and natural conditions. The consortium was developed using four bacteria, selected on the basis of utilization of PVC as primary carbon source, namely P. otitidis, B. aerius, B. cereus and A. pedis isolated from the plastic waste disposal sites in Northern India. The comparative in-vitro treatment studies as revealed by the spectral and thermal data, illustrated the relatively better biodegradation potential of developed consortium for PVC than the LDPE. Further, the progressive treatments of both the thermoplastics were conducted for three months under natural conditions. For this purpose, bioformulation of consortium was prepared and characterized for the viability up to 70 days of storage at 25±1ºC. The consortium treated polymer samples were monitored through SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. Analytical data revealed the biodeterioration potential of the developed consortium for PVC and LDPE, which could help in disposing the plastic waste.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work evaluated the potential of the acidification equalization tank (AET) used as a primary treatment unit, treating the hog farming wastewater. The treatment system consisted of a degritter with a triangular-notch weir, for measuring the flow, a static sieve, and an acidification and equalization tank (AET), an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, a settling tank, a greenhouse for fertirrigation and two infiltration ponds. The AET had a net capacity of 8,000 liters, internally covered with asphalt blanket, worked based on surface loading rates application. The unit operated continuously, with its flow varying from 0.1 to 10 L s-1. To determine the efficiency, the following parameters were measured: pH; COD; BOD; volatile and fixed solids; settleable solids; total, intermediate and partial alkalinity and total acidity. The COD removal varied from 5 to 20%. The average pH was 7.3 and the total, intermediate and partial alkalinity in the effluent, were 1919, 846, 1197 mg L-1, respectively. The total acidity in the effluent was 34 mg L-1. The influent and effluent total BOD and oil & grease concentrations were 3436 and 3443 mg L-1, and 415 and 668 mg L-1, respectively. It was found that the AET worked properly concerning the acidification, equalization and sedimentation processes, confirming low cost of implementation and easy operation, when compared to other traditional decanters.

Resumo em Inglês:

This study investigated the microbiology of a hybrid anaerobic reactor (HAR) in the removal of pollutant loads. This reactor had the same physical structure of an UASB reactor, however with minifilters inside containing two types of support material: expanded clay and gravel. Two hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 24h and 18h were evaluated at steady-state conditions, resulting in organic loading rates (OLR) of 0.032 and 0.018 kgDBO5m-3d-1 and biological organic loading rates (BOLR) of 0,0015 and 0.001 kgDBO5kgSVT- 1d¹, respectively. The decrease in concentration of organic matter in the influent resulted an endogenous state of the biomass in the reactor. The expanded clay was the best support material for biofilm attachment.

Resumo em Inglês:

Bacillus sphaericus AND 303, a Cr(VI)-resistant and reducing bacterium reported from serpentine outcrops of Andaman was evaluated for Cr(VI) reduction using immobilized cells under batch culture. Screening of inert matrices for entrapment of whole cells indicated that polyvinyl alchohol-alginate was the most effective one reducing 87.5% of 20 µM Cr(VI) in 24 h. The rate of chromate reduction was dependent on initial Cr(VI) and biomass concentrations. The PVA cell beads were recycled three times without cell leakage and disintegration. The reduction efficiency was improved in the presence of glucose and glycerol as electron donors leading to complete reduction. However, the presence of additional metal ions was inhibitory to Cr(VI) reduction. It could be emphasized that PVA-alginate immobilized cells of B. sphaericus AND 303 could be used as a continuous bioprocess in treating Cr(VI) contaminated effluents.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work investigates the antimicrobial activity of the Schinus molle L. leaves extracts obtained under supercritical conditions using carbon dioxide and co-solvents. Antimicrobial qualitative evaluation was carried out through the bioautography technique and the microorganisms studied were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosas, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Salmonella choleraesuis. The supercritical fluid extraction was carried out in a pilot scale equipment using carbon dioxide modified by the addition of co-solvents, such as ethanol and water at 150 bar and 333 K. A mathematical modeling of the process was also performed.